Subtle tweaks keep soft-roader on top of its game.

2018 Subaru Outback 2.5 Premium first drive review

Subtle tweaks keep soft-roader on top of its game.

2018 Subaru Outback 2.5 Premium first drive review

14 Feb 2018David McCowen

Mid-life updates offer manufacturers a chance to take stock and consider how various models are performing around the world. Some result in major changes to engines, styling, suspension or interior arrangements deemed to be underperforming, while others amount to little more than a regular check-up.

Subaru’s 2018 Outback sits in the middle ground, bringing minor changes tucked under the surface of a mild facelift. A “fresh new look” pitched by the brand involves blink-and-you’ll-miss-it tweaks to the grille, bumpers and door mirrors, the latter mounted 20 millimetres lower than before. There are new cameras to make parking a fuss-free proposition, an updated infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and subtle tweaks to the steering wheel, air vents and interior stitching.

The entry-level Outback 2.5i still costs $36,240 plus on-road costs, and still features a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 129kW and 135Nm outputs.

Dig deeper and you’ll find changes under the skin including new designs for the engine’s crankshaft, connecting rods and valves that improve fuel use by reducing friction, coupled with tweaks to a CVT automatic transmission now featuring seven simulated gears instead of six.

Subaru updated its Outback wagon for 2018. Photo: Lachlan Hinton

We tested the Outback in 2.5i Premium form, which now features LED headlights with cornering and adaptive high beam functions that make night-time driving a safer proposition.

Premium models also get a larger 8-inch touchscreen with sat nav and clever new front and side cameras that come in handy when off-roading or parking in confined areas. Subaru’s updated EyeSight safety suite can now recognise brake lights of other vehicles when using adaptive cruise control, and Subaru says it improved the car’s autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian detection functions.

On the road, Subaru claims subtle changes to the shock absorbers results in improved ride and reduced roll, while the brakes feel firmer and the steering feel has also been finessed.

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It works will in the real world, feeling crisp and cohesive for the most part, though the Outback’s high-riding stance and 18-inch wheels wrapped in dual-purpose tyres mean it doesn’t ride or corner with the same polish as the lower-slung Liberty.

Impressive for the most part, the Outback offers outstanding traction thanks to its all-wheel-drive system, and a weighty feel to the steering and brakes that gives you confidence in its abilities.

As before, the weak point lies under the bonnet. Subaru’s engine isn’t particularly efficient or punchy, feeling stressed in comparison to effortless turbo engines used by rivals such as VW’s Passat Alltrack. The brand’s CVT transmission doesn’t help. While Subaru continues to chip away at the transmission’s refinement and response, the unit feels as though it blunts an already dull performance under the bonnet.

It’s also more expensive to run than most cars this size, costing just shy of $2300 to maintain for the first three years or 75,000 kilometres of ownership, with maintenance due every six months or 12,500kms. By comparison, three years and 60,000 kilometres of Toyota RAV4 servicing costs $1080, while Mazda charges $943 to support an all-wheel-drive CX-5 for three years and 30,000 kilometres.

That said, it will do everything you need it to, and do it without fuss. The Outback will match many SUVs for off-road prowess while delivering a more car-like driving experience. There’s plenty of space for passengers, it has a sizeable boot and Subaru offers a wide range of accessories to suit people with active lifestyles.

This year’s tweaks should keep the Outback on top of shopping lists for the Subaru faithful.